But Bees suffered a big setback to their survival prospects with defeat to Preston Grasshoppers – a result which leaves them hovering perilously above the National Two North drop zone.

With a string of tough fixtures to come, Bees have a real battle on their hands to pick up points. Once again, they had to operate with a makeshift front row and their preparations weren’t help when prop Scott Tolmie was belatedly recalled by Moseley.

Martin said: “Once we can get our front row sorted out, we should be okay. It’s so important because so much of our play comes off the back of the scrum.”

The damage was done in the first half when Bees failed to make the most of a gale-force wind. Despite pinning Preston deep inside their own 22 for long periods, they were unable to put points on the board.

Preston weathered the storm and forced a well-worked try on 34 minutes through fly-half Lewis Allen.

Bees bagged their only score of the half on 40 minutes following a fabulous break from flanker Rob Connolly to set up left-wing Aquile Smith for a try.

With the elements now in their favour, Preston pressed home the advantage after half-time and within two minutes of the resumption tight-head prop Peter Altham powered over under the posts for Allen to convert.

Bees struck back when Smith broke clear to sprint over for his second try on 49 minutes.

However, Preston No.8 Chris Taylor touched down from a pushover try for Allen to convert, followed by a fourth and bonus-point try from flanker Andy Napier.